Starting August 1, First State Financial will be changing its name to First State Bank of the Southeast.

Originally founded as First State Bank of Pineville in 1899 by George H. Reese, the institution has remained locally and family owned for over 118 years. Reese’s greatgranddaughter Katherine Reese Capps is the current president and CEO of the bank and she wanted to stress that the change in names has nothing to do with any kind of change in ownership.

“We want everyone to know that we are a bank, not some other type of financial institution, especially in our markets outside of Bell County that might not be aware of our history,” she said.

“My family has been involved with this bank since my great-grandfather founded it in 1899. He wanted it to serve the needs of people in our communities, which we will continue doing for many more years to come. I anticipate a bright future for First State Bank. Adding ‘of the Southeast’ gives us the option to expand further in the future.”

In conjunction with the change in name, First State Bank will be updating the signs at all of their branches starting July 31.

The new signs will also reflect the partnership between First State Bank and their affiliate, Mountain Valley Insurance. Mountain Valley Insurance has been a thriving privately owned business since 1976 that sells all types of insurance for individuals and businesses. First State has owned Mountain Valley for nearly 10 years.

First State is also keeping its traditional logo, which was modeled after the shape of a coal tipple.

Katherine Reese Capps added that First State remains rooted in traditional banking values, conservative strategies and local investments that make up the bank’s legacy of trust and stability.

“I’m very proud of the bank and of the service we provide to the people in our communities,” she said. “Most of all I’m proudest of what sets us apart from our competition – each of our employees who make up the First State Bank Family.”